Old Georgians 3 Chelmsford 2

Slazenger Men's EHL

Division One

Old Georgians 3 Chelmsford 2

Chelmsford's season ended in disappointing fashion as effectively the final touch of their season condemned them to defeat at Old Georgians.

It was the second consecutive week where Chelmsford have lost points in the last minute and meant the Essex side finished second from bottom with just seven points

Despite a disappointing season of results, the bigger picture shows some excellent individual development within the side and the team who have, at times, played some excellent hockey.

When Chelmsford did arrive at the Surrey pitch, it was covered in a blanket of snow, but thanks to the hard work of the Old Georgians side and spectators, there was only a half hour delay to the game.

When the game finally started, Chelmsford deservedly took an early lead in the sixth minute thanks to Luke Mepham's clinical finish.

However, not for the first time this season, Chelmsford could not hold onto their lead as their former player Gareth Carr equalised from a penalty corner shortly afterwards.

Both sides continued to make chances, but the standard of finishing was poor, with Duncan Woods and Richard Nourse both spurning good chances for the Essex side.

Nourse, who has probably shown the greatest individual improvement this season, scored his second goal in two games as he volleyed home from close range, however once again Chelmsford could not hold onto their lead and, within 30 seconds, the scores were once again level as James Kingstone finished into an unguarded net.

A draw at half time was probably a fair reflection of the open game and both sides probably knew that each would have opportunities to go into the lead.

The second half continued in the same fashion as the first, with chances not being taken. Olly Cooper and Josh Mepham both had great chances to restore the lead, but were denied on each occasion by some good goalkeeping.

At the other end, Old Georgians were also missing their chances until, in the final minute of the game, Tom Doran picked up the ball and managed to find enough space to fire home a reverse stick shot.